Pahalgam attack underscores the need for 24x7 vigilance: Omar

11/07/2025

KOLKATA, Jul 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed, has underscored the need for round-the-clock alertness to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a tourism promotion event here aimed at reviving travel to J&K, Abdullah said, "The Pahalgam incident has shown that we need to be alert 24x7 to prevent such incidents from recurring."
Asked about the delay in arresting the culprits behind the Pahalgam attack, the chief minister said that investigations take time and that there was no fixed timeline for such actions.
"Arrests do not depend on any time frame. I am confident that one day the perpetrators of the attack will be apprehended," he asserted.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam had sent shockwaves across the country and raised serious concerns over security in the region, especially in the lead-up to the AmarnathYatra.
However, Omar Abdullah struck an optimistic note about the recovery of the tourism sector, despite the setback.
"Tourism has started reviving in Jammu and Kashmir. Maybe hotel rates are lower than they were before the Pahalgam attack, but people have surely started coming, including for the AmarnathYatra," he said.
On the Supreme Court's recent order on the special revision of electoral rolls, Abdullah said the verdict must be respected.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered a major political controversy in Bihar, where assembly polls are due later this year, with the opposition INDIA bloc alleging that it was designed to "benefit the ruling NDA", a charge denied by the EC that is carrying out the massive exercise.
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Election Commission to continue with its SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar calling it a "constitutional mandate".
Asked about the INDIA bloc and recent remarks by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Abdullah refrained from getting into personalities but suggested that the responsibility of keeping the opposition alliance united lies with the biggest player.
"It is not about me or Mamata Banerjee, but the main responsibility is that of the biggest stakeholder to make it a success," he said, indirectly referring to the Congress party.
Reacting sharply to the BJP's repeated jibe that West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee was being turned into another Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said such statements were misleading and ironic.
Abdullah also reiterated his demand for early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
"This is the first time in the history of the country that a state has been broken into Union Territories. We are seeking an early transition back to statehood," he added.
Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Travel & Tourism Fair, TTF Kolkata-2025, India's oldest and most trusted B2B travel trade show, at Biswa Bangla MelaPrangan, Kolkata.
Addressing a distinguished gathering of travel professionals, industry stakeholders, and dignitaries, the Chief Minister described TTF Kolkata as a vital platform to explore avenues for collaboration between Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal and promote mutual growth in the tourism sector. He emphasized that the fair would encourage all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two regions.
The inaugural ceremony was also attended by several dignitaries, including Advisor to the Chief Minister, NasirAslamWani, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Committee Rajkumari Thapa, MLA (Soreng-Chakung) Aditya Gole, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Neelu Sharma, Counsel General of Thailand Siriporn Tantipanyathep, and Convenor of Association for Conservation & Tourism (ACT) Raj Basu.
The event also witnessed enthusiastic participation from various tour and travel operators, tourism officers, and media representatives, highlighting the growing significance of the eastern Indian market in national and global tourism circuits. In his address, the Chief Minister, who was the chief guest at the event, highlighted Jammu & Kashmir's transformation into a year-round, all-segment tourist destination, with significant strides made in infrastructure, accessibility, and investor-friendly policies.
He spoke of the deep cultural and emotional connect between J&K and West Bengal, inviting travellers from the state to rediscover the timeless charm, natural beauty, and evolving experiences of Jammu & Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his privilege in being part of the country's premier travel trade platform. "It is indeed a privilege to be here at TTF Kolkata 2025," he said. "I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the organizers for creating this vital platform that promotes tourism across the country. Jammu & Kashmir is proud to participate as a key stakeholder in India's tourism growth story."
The Chief Minister elaborated on the remarkable transformation witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir's tourism sector. "J&K has evolved into a year-round, all-segment tourism destination," he noted. "We are not only focusing on traditional sites but have also identified and developed off-beat locations such as Gurez, Bangus, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, Doodhpathri, and Basohli. These destinations have seen significant growth and offer unique experiences to travellers."
Highlighting the J&K's thrust on border tourism, the Chief Minister stated, "We are promoting tourism in areas like Uri, Keran, Teetwal, and Suchetgarh. Our aim is to ensure that local communities benefit directly from tourism-led development. These border destinations are not only picturesque but also rich culturally."
The Chief Minister placed special emphasis on community involvement in the tourism landscape. "Homestays across Jammu & Kashmir reflect the growing grassroots participation in tourism," he said. "We are particularly supporting women-led homestays in rural areas such as Kupwara and Ganderbal. This approach is helping us promote inclusive growth while empowering women economically."
He also underlined the growing popularity of niche tourism in the region. "J&K has emerged as a prime hub for adventure tourism-be it skiing, trekking, alpine lake exploration, or mountaineering," he said. "Our world-class golf courses in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, and Jammu are attracting global enthusiasts, including international cricketers. Wedding tourism, too, is gaining momentum in Srinagar and Gulmarg, with several high-end celebrations taking place in these iconic locations."
Referring to the revival of film tourism, the Chief Minister stated, "Jammu & Kashmir is once again reclaiming its position as the cinematic crown of India, ideal for filmmaking. The return of Bollywood to the Valley is not only enhancing the region's visibility but is also creating livelihood opportunities across sectors."
Sharing recent recognitions, he added, "J&K's tourism initiatives have earned national acclaim. We received the SKOCH Silver Award for our Homestay Initiative and multiple accolades under the Ministry of Tourism's Best Rural Homestay Awards for locations like Keran, Jharokabagh, and Yusmarg. We were also recognized under the 'Travel for LIFE' program for our sustainable tourism efforts. Moreover, Aru in Pahalgam was awarded Best Tourism Village in the Adventure Category."
Discussing future prospects, the Chief Minister spoke about J&K's emergence as a hub for MICE tourism. "We are positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), backed by our natural beauty, cultural richness, and improved infrastructure," he said.
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of sustainable and inclusive development. "Our tourism strategy is anchored in sustainability, community participation, and heritage conservation," he said. "We are focusing on expanding experiential and niche tourism-ranging from homestays and cultural trails to wellness and rural tourism. Our vision is to make Jammu & Kashmir not just a preferred destination, but a global benchmark for responsible, inclusive, and transformative tourism."
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended a warm invitation to delegates, investors, and travel stakeholders. "I urge all of you to visit Jammu & Kashmir and witness its tourism potential first-hand. TTF Kolkata offers us a unique platform to explore collaboration and foster deeper cultural and economic ties with West Bengal. J&K has always held a special place in the hearts of travellers from Eastern India, and we look forward to welcoming them once again with renewed experiences and opportunities."
The Travel & Tourism Fair Kolkata 2025, being held from July 10-12, features over 500 exhibitors from 25+ Indian states and 14+ countries, along with 5,500+ verified travel trade professionals, making it the largest tourism networking event in Eastern India ahead of the festive travel season.

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